HCCF Awards Over $140,000 in Scholarships to Local Students
The Huron County Community Foundation (HCCF) hosted its 2026 Scholarship Reception at Verona Hills Golf Club in Bad Axe, celebrating the achievements of local students and the community partners who support their success.
This year, HCCF awarded more than $140,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors and continuing students, reinforcing the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to expanding educational opportunities while strengthening the future of Huron County.
Since its founding in 1994, HCCF has awarded over $3.2 million in grants and scholarships, made possible through the generosity of local donors and fund representatives. These investments not only support individual students but also contribute to a broader goal: retaining talent and building a vibrant future for the Thumb region.
“This is an exciting time for these students, and we are incredibly proud of all they’ve accomplished,” said Executive Director Mackenzie Price. “Through their resilience, determination, and dedication, they’ve earned this moment. At HCCF, we are committed not only to supporting their educational journeys, but also to helping them stay connected to Huron County by creating opportunities for them to return, build careers, and contribute to the strength of our communities.”
The reception brought together scholarship recipients, families, donors, educators, and community leaders, creating space for meaningful connections between students and the individuals and organizations investing in their futures. HCCF continues to prioritize these relationships as part of its broader strategy to retain and engage local talent.
Guest speaker Kylie Braun, a Bad Axe graduate, HCCF scholarship recipient, and current member of the HCCF Board of Trustees, shared her personal journey and encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities and build strong connections as they move forward in their careers. HCCF also highlighted its partnership with the Huron County Economic Development Corporation through the Huron County Comeback Internship Program, which connects college students with paid, local internship opportunities. The program aims to strengthen the local workforce pipeline while helping students build professional networks within the community.
The Foundation extends its gratitude to its annual sponsors, school personnel, donors, and fund representatives whose ongoing support makes these scholarships possible.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Annabelle Jenks Scranton Scholarship – Peyton Roggenbuck - $444
Beth Kubik Manteuffel Memorial Scholarship – Kaylee Briolat - $848
Betty Zulauf Academic Scholarship – Maleah Roth - $545
C.A. Scheurer & B.G. Kamlapurker Medical School Scholarship – Micah Gordon, Karlee Guza - $2,900
Caseville Scholarship – Matthew Dufty - $711
Charles and Roseline Gliniecki Memorial Scholarship – Amber Essenmacher, Aubrey Geiger - $860
Charlotte Talaski Scholarship – Brody Karg - $535
Clarence & Loraine Braun Scholarship – Ellexia Puvalowski, Peyton Roggenbuck - $1,600
Claude Marsh Scholarship – Ayden Checkley, Ryan Gordon - $4,900
Collon and Todd Scholarship – Kylie Stirrett - $1,836
Cooley Family Scholarship – McKenzie Baker, Audrey Hellebuyck - $1,700
Deer Acres Scholarship – Elizabeth Geiger - $2,279
Douglas Pankrantz Scholarship – Trinity Galvan - $434
Dr. Donald W. & Sally A. Rogers Family Scholarship – Mariam Shupe - $1,000
Dr. Edward Steinhardt Family Science Scholarship – Hannah Hahn, Aubrey London - $12,543
Ervin R. Ignash Scholarship – Audrey Brining - $674
Esther E. Lincoln Scholarship – Jonah Dimock, Jeremiah Learman - $1,300
Francis & Opal Hund Scholarship – Guy Knoblock - $2,342
George E. Green Scholarship – Kylie Stirrett - $4,595
Gib Rooney Family Scholarship – Blake Darnell, Brody Karg, Lexy Roggenbuck - $2,118
Harbor Beach FFA Alumni Booster Club Mary Holdwick Memorial Scholarship – Matthew Geiger - $500
Harbor Beach Woman’s Club Academic Scholarship – Brody Karg - $435
Janet Watts Memorial Scholarship – Matthew Dufty - $205
Jason Kiehl Memorial Scholarship – Blake Darnell, Matthew Geiger, Logan Hurren, Jacob Koroleski - $1,372
Jean A. Kasserman Memorial Scholarship – Mariyam Mulla - $2,130
Judge Neil MacCallum Memorial Scholarship to Bad Axe – Audrey Brining, Aubrey London, Lacey Newland - $1,600
Judy K. & Stephen J. Zagorski Memorial Scholarship – Payton McIlhargie - $700
Keith and Bertha McTaggart Scholarship – Matthew Geiger, Sadi Heleksi, Logan Hurren, Evan Konecny, Dana Koth - $2,000
Kenneth W. Laughlin Scholarship – Drew Nickrand, Loryn Nowiski - $3,100
Linda Rowland Drama Scholarship – Kylie Stirrett - $5,466
Madeline M. Bauer Scholarship – Maleah Roth - $6,513
Marla Muter Scholarship – Amelia Capling, Elizabeth Geiger - $2,300
Mary K. & Robert Quinn Memorial Scholarship – Logan Feltner, Payton McIlhargie - $2,000
Maurer/Yageman Bowling Scholarship – Carter McMinn, Jasmyn Ranquist - $600
Michael B. & Regina V. Lasceski Scholarship – Lacey Newland - $530
Robert & Verneta Theummel Scholarship – Jacob Koroleski, Dana Koth - $1,300
Roman and Theresa Booms Family Scholarship – Shelby Messing, Malena Winkel - $1,000
Sara Elizabeth Wood Memorial Scholarship – Sydney Richmond - $4,500
Sgt. Aaron C. Elandt Memorial Scholarship – Benson Harper - $1,300
Thelma Allen Scholarship – Aubrey London - $219
Tom Gettel Memorial Scholarship – Hannah Schember - $1,700
Warren S. Eilber Family Scholarship – Brody Karg, Peyton Roggenbuck - $450